SCGP Growth Tracking
Did this student grow more or less than expected? Know with precision using NWEA's conditional growth methodology.
What is SCGP?
Student Conditional Growth Percentile measures how much a student grew compared to other students who started at the same level.
Low Growth
Typical Growth
High Growth
SCGP answers the question:
"Did this student grow more or less than expected given their starting point?"
Interpreting Growth Scores
SCGP ranges from 1 to 99, like a percentile rank for growth.
High Growth
Student grew more than 75% of their academic peers
Typical Growth
Student is keeping pace with academic peers
Low Growth
Student grew less than 75% of peers. Intervention may be needed.
Accuracy
NWEA-Accurate Calculations
Our SCGP calculations match NWEA's official numbers within ±1 percentile. This accuracy is critical for:
- Teacher evaluations based on student growth
- Authorizer presentations and reauthorization
- Board reports on school performance
- Identifying students who need additional support
- Tracking intervention effectiveness
The NWEA Formula
For the technically curious, here's exactly how we calculate SCGP
Conditional Growth Mean
μΔ(yw1) = μΔ + (ρ × σΔ / σw1) × (yw1 - μw1)Expected growth based on the student's starting score, using normative data for their grade and subject.
Conditional Growth Variance
ωΔ(yw1) = σΔ² × (1 - ρ²)How much growth typically varies for students at this starting level.
Z-Score Calculation
zΔ = [Actual Growth - μΔ(yw1)] / √ωΔ(yw1)How many standard deviations the student's growth is from expected.
Percentile Conversion
SCGP = Φ(zΔ) × 100Convert the z-score to a percentile using the cumulative normal distribution.
Growth Tracking Articles
Deep dives into student growth measurement and SCGP methodology
Growth Trajectories and On-Track Indicators: Predicting Long-Term Success
Where a student is today matters less than where they're headed. Growth trajectories reveal whether students are on track for future success—while there's still time to intervene.
Growth Metrics in School Accountability Systems: Balancing Rigor and Fairness
39 states now include growth measures in school accountability. Here's how these systems work, why they matter for equity, and how to interpret school-level growth ratings.
Using Growth Data in Teacher Professional Development: From Numbers to Practice
Growth data reveals what's working and what isn't. Here's how to use it effectively for teacher learning—without the pitfalls of high-stakes evaluation.
Growth in the Wake of Learning Loss: Strategies for Academic Recovery
Students need 4-5 months of additional instruction to recover pandemic learning losses. Here's how schools are producing accelerated growth to help students catch up.
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